ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Chief Negotiator for the EU talks Ali Babacan said Sunday changes regarding Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) will start to be debated at the parliament soon.
Babacan responded to questions in an interview with Kanal 7 private tv channel.
Replying to a question on Turkey`s EU process, Babacan said, "an EU including Turkey will be much stronger and an actual global actor."
Babacan recalled that Turkish government decided to continue to progress by fulfilling the reforms after the EU froze talks on 8 chapter headings.
"One of the two most important packages of the political reforms is the Foundations Law and changes to Article 301. Works carried out by Justice Ministry on this article will be brought to agenda soon."
"Its timing is a matter related to domestic policy. However, I can say that it will be debated soon, and necessary steps will be taken," he remarked.
On Turkish economy, Babacan said, "I earlier indicated that the stronger democracy is, the much strong economy would be. Turkish economy will weaken at times when democracy faces difficulty. There is nothing to be afraid of in Turkish democracy. There may be different fluctuations in the world, but indicators and measures that were previously taken will protect Turkish economy from exterior fluctuations."
(AY-MS)